27 Groups Urge Action on Human Rights in Iran

Impact Iran, a new coalition of 10 human rights organizations and individuals dedicated to drawing attention to human rights in Iran and engaging the Iranian government, said, Sunday evening, that it is attending the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to encourage member states to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Doctor Ahmed Shaheed. It said 26 other groups have written a letter to the Council urging the renewal of the mandate and addressing the concerns.

Dr. Shaheed is scheduled to address the Human Rights Council Monday afternoon. His report reveals that executions continue at alarming rates, with at least 1,687 taking place since the establishment in 2013. Impact Iran said that since the beginning of 2014 alone, Iran has executed at least 176 people, including political prisoners, and that Dr. Shaheed's report asserts at least 895 political prisoners are being held behind bars.